A Real Bride's Guide

Mr and Mrs Ramsaroop were married at Holdsworth House in August 2015. Here they share their story: 

The Venue...

"Right from our first visit to look around Holdsworth House we knew we had made the right decision. The house is beautiful and the gardens are outstanding."

The Planning...

"The wedding team was readily available throughout the whole planning process to answer any questions. We booked the Pain Free Package - and it really was pain free! Our tasting evening a few months before the wed- ding, to try different dishes and wines, was really helpful. The staff were incredibly helpful too in assisting our guests in booking rooms for the night of the wedding, including family from Canada and South America.

In the final run up to the wedding we were able to visit as much as we needed to plan how we wanted the rooms decorated and to check we could leave decorations at the hotel the day before, to reduce the stress on the big day."

The big day...

"Everything went perfectly, the staff were amazing especially Tracy who is a real asset to Holdsworth; she took charge of arranging all the decorations, checking the bride and groom parties were all OK getting ready. She was even on hand to tidy up the groomsmen and put their buttonholes on correctly! Throughout the day everything just flowed and the staff were always a step ahead of us, so we could just relax and enjoy the day.

We were married in the Abraham Brigg room with its intimate feel, then held the wedding reception and party the Stuart room. We were lucky to have glorious sunshine on the day and have some amazing photos with the gardens in full bloom.

The wedding breakfast was very tasty with very generous portions. We chose the peking duck salad, then leek and potato soup, followed by roast sirloin, with sticky toffee pudding to finish.

The rooms are lovely, they are not very large but this is in keeping with the hotel and are all individually designed and full of character. The bridal suite with its rose petal turndown, champagne, chocolate dipped strawberries and box of chocolates is a lovely touch. In the morning we had a delicious, cooked breakfast with all our guests which was a great way to finish."

Our lasting thoughts...

"Holdsworth House is very special; we cannot recommend it highly enough!"

(Pictures courtesy of 2007bc Photography)

Charlottle Bronte's Bicentenary Year

If you're a Bronte fan you'll be excited that 2016 marks the 200th anniversary of Charlotte Bronte's birth. The Bronte Parsonage Museum, in nearby Haworth, West Yorkshire, has lots of events taking place to mark the special occasion on April 21st, the same celebration date as the Queen's birthday.

As well as wreath laying and a party in Charlotte's name, the Museum is hosting a brilliant exhibition curated by novelist Tracy Chevalier. You'll be able to see the Bronte's writings, their household artifacts, their clothes and of course where they lived and wrote many of their world-famous novels.

WHERE TO STAY - BRONTE COUNTRY

Holdsworth House is a beautiful country manor hotel, on the outskirts of Halifax and a scenic 20 minute drive to the centre of Haworth, where you'll find the Bronte Parsonage Museum. Built in 1633 Holdsworth House was once owned by the Wadsworth family.

BRONTE CONNECTION?

In the early half of the 1800s Holdsworth House was lived in by Elisabeth Wadsworth whose family was of a similar standing to the Brontes. Whilst Elisabeth's precious diaries, which are with the Halifax library, do not mention meeting the Brontes there is reference to Elisabeth seeing the famous violinist Paganini. It is believed that the Brontes also went to a performance of Paganini - perhaps it was the same one, we will sadly never know.

Holdsworth House offers a Bronte Break, which includes an overnight stay with breakfast and two adult tickets to the Bronte Parsonage Museum. If you're a Bronte fan and attending any of the bicentenary events then come and stay here.

A Happy Angela Pleasence in the Happy Valley

Series two of the BBC's police drama Happy Valley has been a hit right form the off. Filmed in sites across Calderdale and West Yorkshre, writer and director Sally Wainwright has certainly put her childhood county on the map once again.

Holdsworth House was lucky to welcome some of the cast again to stay at the historic manor during filming. One such guest was the very lovely Angela Pleasence who plays Winnie, Catherine's neighbour. As the series unfurls we will discover how important Winnie will become to the plot.

It was Angela's birthday during her stay at the hotel and it was very lovely of her to pose for this snap for us.

Congratulations to Sally Wainwright, her exceptional cast and team for another belting Halifax and Calderdale series. Long may it continue!

Luxury Travel Guide Global Awards 2016

Holdsworth House Hotel & Restaurant has been shortlisted in the 2016 Luxury Hotel awards, an international, independent awards program for the tourism industry.

Nominations are cast online over a 12 month period with over two million hotel guests, travel agencies and industry experts invited to vote for the best experiences they have had and to acknowledge who is the most deserving.

The Luxury Travel Awards recognise and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the affluent travel and tourism industry. A team of experts have scoured the globe and travelled extensively in order to identify everything from the very best hotels, airlines and tour operators through to highlighting the most reputable transfer service companies. Celebrating and rewarding excellence in many areas, these awards recognise hotels no matter of size or location. 

Delighted to be nominated, Holdsworth House's General Manager Mr Joseph Farrar said, "The nomination comes fast off the back of the prestigious Yorkshire White Rose tourism awards, where the hotel was also a finalist in the Large Hotel of the Year category.

"As an historic property it is important to preserve the manor's character but also offer discerning guests everything they need for a comfortable and luxurious stay. My team works hard to recognise the little things that make a guest's stay better and to offer a smile and a friendly demeanour at every turn. We are thrilled with this new nomination and to be associated alongside the world's finest luxury hotels and tourism service providers."

The judging process now involves a team of researchers looking at the hotel as a case study. Winners are announced in January.

Audrey's Guide to Hebden Bridge

One team member that gets many mentions in our guest book is Audrey Peacock - undoubtedly one person that makes Holdsworth House totally unique.

Audrey plays an important part in the hotel's breakfast team, ensuring everyone starts their day with a smile and a giggle. But it's not just Audrey's fantastic sense of humour and friendliness that makes her shine, her local knowledge of her home town Hebden Bridge means it gets more that it's fair share of tourists sent from the hotel.

Hebden Bridge is around eight miles from Holdsworth House; take the scenic route by car and you'll see some of Calderdale's most stunning views, countryside and cottages. Audrey is a true ambassador for Hebden Bridge and we've asked her to put together her guide of the best bits to visit during your stay at Holdsworth House:

1) Audrey, how do you get to Hebden Bridge from Holdsworth House on public transport?
"Take the 504 bus from outside the hotel into Halifax, leaving every five to the hour. Then take the 593 or the 594 bus from the bus station, which leave every ten minutes to Hebden Bridge."

2) What's the best cafe to call in for a tea or coffee?
"I love the Lampost Cafe, which is dog friendly like Holdsworth House, or try Sauce which is in the square."

3) What is there to see and do in Hebden Bridge?
"Hebden Bridge is a pretty laid back place. Walking the canal side, seeing the boats and feeding the ducks is a lovely nostalgic way to spend your time there, or even a river boat cruise - made famous in the BBC's Last Tango in Halifax. There's a lively market on a Thursday and second hand market on a Wednesday if you fancy picking up something unusual and vintage."

4) Where's a nice spot for lunch?
"Try The Old Gate restaurant, especially if you have your pet dog or children in tow! Or I also like the Blitz Cafe which is a 1940's wartime theme cafe"

5) What's a must see?
"There are lots of small independent shops in Hebden Bridge to browse around and there is a great sense of community so there are lots of events held throughout the year too, including the famous duck race, arts festival and music festivals. It's worth also making the short trip to Hardcastle Craggs, about 2 miles out of the town. It's a place of incredible beauty owned by the National Trust for walking and taking the dog with loads of streams, ravines and woodland, plus there is Gibson Mill to explore."

Our special thanks go to Audrey for her time. If you visit any of the places on her list be sure to say Audrey sent you!